Podcast Library

Dennis Winn, my brother, tells his stories about his military career that actually are two different stories over to two very unique times in America.  The first was the end of the Vietnam War and the 2nd Story is the Gulf War. Dennis enlisted voluntarily into the Army, during the time of the draft lottery. After his 4 years in the Army  Dennis later joined the Tennessee National Guard

I picked Dennis for my first podcast not only because he is my big brother and I think the wold of him but also because I knew he had so many different stories our family has yet to hear. 

Dennis has so many more stories to tell because our first interview has some different stories than the 2nd.  Our first interview didn't record, one of the many fails as a new podcaster, so we will likely record another one with all those missing stories! 

Jake Shields served in the Army for several years as a Military Policeman and deployed to Iraq during his tour of duty in the Army. 

Jacob  had to overcome a lot to serve his country.  In his first attempt to join the Army he was sent home and discharged due to a serious injury, but like most UPers he has a very strong will power, character to fight back and move forward to not let his dream escape.  He wanted no regrets in his life. As a patriot he had a very strong resolve to serve his country while he was still a young man and to play his role in defending our nation. 

Patrick Horst Served in the Army in the Mid 1990's.  This was a time of relatively low combat activity.  The troopers and soldiers during this time period had a very critical mission and that was to keep prepared and ready for the next major conflict.  The training difficult, very realistic and most trooper and soldiers were deployed for a large part of any year they served. 

His stories include his teenage years, growing up with a father who was an alcoholic, joining the Army and his many adventures and stories. 

During closing remarks Pat lays it out (in my opinion) on what the Army and the rest of the military teaches a soldier.  

Mike was Army enlisted; however, that was not his first or second plan.  He shares some of his best and worst experiences in the Army and how those lessons carry into his career today.  

Mike was deployed to Haiti / Operation Uphold Democracy

There are two decisions that Mike said made him who he is today.

1. Joining the military at 19. Helped me on the path to realize what it meant to be a man ( to stop acting like a boy )
2. Accepting Jesus Christ as my savior. The Army could only take me so far, it started me down a path but the only way to truly become a man was to become a Man of God.

Doug Fussell , Tin Can Spook, entered the Navy right out of High School, he served in the Navy from 1990 - 1994. Doug was a Cryptologist.  Enlisted Sailors in the Navy Cryptology community analyze encrypted electronic communications, jam enemy radar signals, decipher information in foreign languages and maintain state-of-the-art equipment and networks used to generate top secret intel.

After Cryptology School Doug served on DD964 a Spruance-class destroyer. 

Sergeant Road Soldier, Grace Nix.  Grace was an 88 Mike which is a Motor transport operator.  On one of Grace’s tours she served in Egypt which is very unique duty assignment. You might ask how did she get that assignment, well here is a hint, it is nice to have friends in high places a-she had exciting times to share with us in Egypt.  

One other thing, there are probably very few people soldiers who enlisted in the SMA’s office at the Pentagon, yes Grace was one of them.

Retired LTC David McPherson was an Army Reserve Officer and served over 20 years of service. The stories will hear revolves primarily around a three year period from August 2005 until 2008.  You will also hear about how his decision to join the service, his family and his on and off duties as a US Army Reserve Officer. David played a critical roles in  the  major operations around Hurricane Katrina (Operation Evacuee & Debris), and supported operations in Afghanistan.

WWII Combat Paratrooper - It is my honor to share this story with you about Darrell G. Harris. He was one of the first paratroopers in the American history of the Airborne and also one of the first awardees of the CIB badge (Combat Infantry Badge).   

Fred thank you for sharing your story about Darrell G. Harris. 

We started this interview talking with Joe who was drafted into the service and took the draft into his own hands by asking for the draft board to move up his enlistment. Additionally during this interview Joe and I review his father's WWII experience in the Pacific fighting as an Infantryman & Scott. Sylvester Wasz, received numerous medals for his heroics. He served   in the same unit (exact) with Medal of Honor winner Desmond Doss 

Sgt Vietnan Paratrooper. Fred served in Vietnam with the 23rd Infantry Division commonly known as the Americal Division.

Fred was drafted and like a lot of draftees he tried to control a little of his own destiny by volunteering to be a Paratrooper. You can read more about Fred HERE and listen to his podcast. 

 Korean Conflict Era sailor- A potential draftee who joined the Navy verses being drafted in the Army in 1953.

Richard served a total of eight years of service primarily out of Naval Air Station Pensacola

This episode is from a retired soldier,  1sg David Jeffers, Dave and I served together for 2 years back in the mid 1980’s when we were young and  full of bull.   

You will hear stores from David as a 1SG he talked about smoking his soldiers and getting smoked.